Soul of a Highlander by Melissa Mayhue

Author:Melissa Mayhue
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Thirteen

The minute Mairi seated herself at the great table, she knew it was going to be a long and trying session.

"I dinna expect to see you at main meal today." Sallie's opening shot was innocent, yet just loud enough to garner the attention of those present.

"And why is that?" Mairi would have preferred to bite off her own tongue rather than hand over the perfect opening to that spoiled brat. But she didn't. She fell right into the trap.

"Weel…" The girl opened her eyes wide and looked knowingly around the table. "I wouldna have the courage to show my face if I'd made a spectacle of myself the way you did yestereve." Sallie lifted her goblet, a sly smile lighting her face as she looked over the rim. "Baring yer great body for all the world to see."

"Sallie," Blane reprimanded sharply. "What happened yestereve was no fault of Mairi's."

"And you'll apologize immediately," her mother added.

"My apologies, cousin Mairi."

The insincerity of the quick apology matched the young woman's expression.

Mairi's mouth dropped open. She felt it happen and snapped it shut. The red that flooded her face had as much to do with fury as humiliation. But before she could respond, a sharp blow to her ankle diverted her attention.

Ramos's warning kick went unnoticed by any but her, as did the laughter he hid by lifting his goblet to his mouth for a drink of wine. When he started to cough, she pounded his back a bit harder than necessary, though he appeared not to notice.

"Blane is right, Sallie." Anabella cast a sympathetic glance toward Mairi. "I'm responsible for poor Mairi's embarrassment. I'm no sure what came over me to make me behave so badly, but I am sorry for it." She smiled brightly before leaning in to pat Blane's hand. "As you said, dear Blane, I only have to pay attention to see how verra different this one is from our Mairi. I canna imagine her sitting here quietly through such as this. Unlike our Mairi, this lass has been raised to be a lady."

Pity from Anabella. It couldn't possibly get any worse than this.

Mairi tried to disappear into her seat as an awkward silence gradually gave way to normal conversation. Ramos attempted small talk, but she ignored him. When his fingers feathered over her arm, she jerked away from his touch without looking at him, angry with him for not defending her. Angry with herself for expecting him to do so.

The stinging pain in her chest, when it began, was small and might have gone unnoticed had she been engaged in conversation. Mairi glanced up from her meal to find the duke studying her intently.

When he spoke, everyone at the table gave him their undivided attention. "My brother and I are extremely grateful for the kind hospitality you've extended us. During our time in Edinburgh, Ran told us so much about you, we almost felt as if we knew you. Isn't that so, Wyn?"

The duke's brother nodded and lifted his cup in a toast to all his dining companions.

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